Akira (1988)

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→ Influenced 5 films ← Inspired by 4 films

A secret military project endangers Neo-Tokyo when it turns a biker gang member into a rampaging psychic psychopath that only two teenagers and a group of psychics can stop.

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Connections

← Inspired By

Blade Runner
Blade Runner (1982)1
 Tron
Tron (1982)2
 2001: A Space Odyssey
2001: A Space Odyssey (1968)3
 Star Wars
Star Wars (1977)4

→ Influenced

The Matrix
The Matrix (1999)5
 Chronicle
Chronicle (2012)6
 Looper
Looper (2012)7
 Dark City
Dark City (1998)8
 Dune: Part Two
Dune: Part Two (2024)9

Sources

Influenced By

  1. Blade Runner (1982)
    "Ridley Scott's dystopian sci-fi film, depicting a neon-lit, cyberpunk future, significantly influenced the aesthetic and thematic elements of *Akira*. The film's portrayal of a gritty, urban environment resonated with Otomo's vision for Neo-Tokyo." How Japanese sci-fi anime Akira became a global pop-culture phenomenon The Indian Express
  2. Tron (1982)
    "Steven Lisberger's *Tron*, with its innovative use of computer-generated imagery and exploration of digital landscapes, inspired aspects of *Akira*'s visual style and its themes of technology's impact on society." How Japanese sci-fi anime Akira became a global pop-culture phenomenon The Indian Express
  3. 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968)
    "Stanley Kubrick's seminal sci-fi film, known for its philosophical depth and visual storytelling, influenced Otomo's approach to narrative and thematic complexity in *Akira*." This ‘80s Anime Movie Inspired All of Your Favorite Sci-Fi Movies TanChun Watkins Collider
  4. Star Wars (1977)
    "Director Katsuhiro Otomo has acknowledged that Star Wars significantly influenced his cyberpunk masterpiece, *Akira*. The film's themes, such as the espers' abilities, draw parallels to the Jedi, and the conflict between the Japanese Self-Defense Forces and revolutionaries mirrors the struggle between the Empire and the Rebel Alliance." 10 Great Movies Inspired By Star Wars Margaret Maurer ScreenRant

Influenced

  1. The Matrix (1999)
    "The Wachowskis' groundbreaking sci-fi film incorporated visual and thematic elements reminiscent of "Akira." The film's visual director, John Gaeta, was influenced by "Akira's" fluidity for the action scenes, particularly the famous bullet time effect. Additionally, Keanu Reeves noted that Neo and Tetsuo share similar psychokinetic abilities." This ‘80s Anime Movie Inspired All of Your Favorite Sci-Fi Movies TanChun Watkins Collider
  2. Chronicle (2012)
    "This found-footage sci-fi thriller about three teenagers who develop telekinetic powers mirrors "Akira's" narrative of uncontrolled psychic abilities leading to chaos. Director Josh Trank cited "Akira" as an influence on "Chronicle," particularly in capturing teenage angst and the feeling of "fighting back."" Star Wars And 9 Other Hollywood Movies Inspired By Japanese Cinema Shaurya Thapa ScreenRant
  3. Looper (2012)
    "Rian Johnson's time-travel film features a young boy with telekinetic powers, drawing parallels to Tetsuo's arc in "Akira." Johnson acknowledged "Akira" as one of the inspirations for "Looper," especially in depicting the loss of control over immense power." How Akira Influenced an Entire Dystopian Sci-Fi Genre and Impacted Western Pop Culture Alastair Johns CBR
  4. Dark City (1998)
    "Alex Proyas' neo-noir sci-fi film shares visual and thematic similarities with "Akira," especially in its depiction of a dystopian cityscape and the manipulation of reality. Proyas has stated that the film's final battle was an "homage to Otomo's Akira."" Dark City %281998 film%29 Wikipedia
  5. Dune: Part Two (2024)
    "Villeneuve drew inspiration from Katsuhiro Otomo's anime classic, particularly when designing storyboards for Paul's transformation into a "dark messianic figure."" Dune%3A Part Two Wikipedia